Barriers or challenges of Sustainable development in Bangladesh

Poverty and inequality

Despite the recent progress of poverty reduction in BD i.e. rural poverty declined from 59 percent
to 42 percent while urban poverty reduced from 45 percent to 30 percent, the non-income
manifestations of urban poverty are glaring. While an estimated 82 percent of the residents
have access to safe drinking water more than 6 million people in urban areas remain without
access to safe water. According to National Sanitation Strategy, about 40 percent of the
households have to resort to open defecation or use unsanitary hanging latrines. Only 25% of
urban households live in dwellings with a permanent structure. Inadequacy of urban services
is a severe hindrance to the continued development of urban areas as well as to efforts to
reduce poverty. The environmental condition in urban areas is deteriorating due to the stress
on services arising out of high urban growth including migration into urban centres. Shortage
of infrastructure services is neutralizing the benefits of urban sector economic growth.

Food security and sustainable agriculture

The major issues facing Bangladesh agriculture during 7th Five Year Plan and beyond
include promoting the use of agricultural technology with supportive policies, reforms,
regulations and incentives etc. The common challenges are often pointed out as raising
productivity and profitability; increasing diversification of production in line with
consumption diversification to promote nutrition; increasing private sector participation in the
agriculture and improving agro-processing value chains; reducing instability of production;
increasing resource use efficiency etc. Besides these, reducing loss of arable land; minimizing
yield gap; expanding irrigation and farm mechanization through appropriate technology; and
developing resilience to climate change impacts also create major hindrances to attain food
security and sustainable agriculture in the country.

Bangladesh has attained self-sufficiency in rice production, resulting from stimulating

production growth over the past years. Yet, rice production in future will have to be pursued
with decreasing availability of the critical inputs land and water, and under conditions of
progressively negative impacts of climate change. While additional land could be brought
under crops through increases in actual area cropped (conversion of non-crop or non-
agricultural land and restoration of degraded land) and increases in cropping intensity, yet the
competing demand for land beyond agriculture (industry, urbanization, infrastructure needs)

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will make this difficult. In terms of cropping intensity, while the present rate of 1.9 compares
favourably with other Asian countries, including India (Punjab) at 1.78 and Pakistan at 1.25,
it is below Vietnam and Java, Indonesia. So there could be some possibility of increase in
intensity. Thus, in absence of major technological breakthrough with development and
diffusion of extra high yield augmenting new varieties, sustaining higher agricultural growth
will be under challenge.

Crop agriculture is mainly operated yet at subsistence or semi- commercial level, which
needs to be commercialized with high value crops such as aromatic rice, vegetables and fruit
production and processing. Good agricultural practices need to be employed for production
and post-harvest management. Meanwhile, agriculture has started to transform from
subsistence mode in the past to semi commercial level at the current stage. In the wave of
globalization, small holders need to be enabled to integrate in the markets to effectively
contribute to the production of high value crops. To this effect, they need better access to
credit and other agricultural services - such as extension, information and local market
infrastructures and services. Most importantly there needs to be more private participation
and investments in the agriculture value chain development. Fair price and market access to
encourage farmers will be ensured to further intensify jute production in order to satisfy
domestic and export demand.

Combat Climate Change, Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources

Agricultural practices in Bangladesh are controlled by the hydrological-cycle. Farmers need

protection against flood in wet season, irrigation in dry season, supplementary irrigation even
in wet season, protection against saline water intrusion in coastal area, proper drainage both
in wet and dry season, protection against river erosion, protection against the water related
hazard (storm surge/cyclone) in coastal belt. Besides these natural phenomena, the man-made
interventions both within and outside the country are adding challenges in the water sector
development and management of the country. The recently enacted Bangladesh Water Act
2013 is designed for integrated development, management, extraction, distribution, usage,
protection and conservation of water resources in Bangladesh. Water Resources Planning
Organization (WARPO) under Ministry of Water Resources, which is working as the
Secretariat to the Executive Committee of National Water Resources Council (ECNWRC) is
preparing concerned rules and regulation thereof. Bangladesh is the lower riparian of the
major rivers. The country faces acute shortage of surface water (from the trans-boundary

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Rivers) in dry season while, during wet season, experiences catastrophic flood at a regular
interval. Coupled with this, the quality issue of surface water comes in due to
industrialization. The water quality during dry season is posing environmental crisis for the
country especially around urban/industrial zones.

Availability of groundwater throughout the country is not uniform; abstraction of this

resource is restricted due to geological (rock strata), technical (aquifer below economic
abstraction depth) and quality (presence of arsenic in the water) issues. Though the rivers of
the country are the hope and aspiration for the nation, they also cause catastrophic disaster in
the form of flood, river erosion and sedimentation. Moreover, encroachment along the
riverbank by illegal land grabbers and pollution are causing dying of the river system. It
needs special attention. Top most priority would have to be attached towards river dredging
to revive the rivers. Therefore, Management of saltwater intrusion, flood risk mitigation,
climate proofing, dry season flow augmentation, erosion protection and river navigability and
connectivity restoration, removal of drainage congestion and water logging, restoring surface
and groundwater quality in the sensitive areas, revitalizing regulated freshwater flow etc. are
some of the salient challenges of Bangladesh.

Energy security

For example, steps have been taken to generate additional 700-800 MW power through
repowering gas based old power plants. Actions have been taken to convert Ghorashal,
Baghabari, Shikalbaha and Shahjibazar simple cycle power plants into combined cycle power
plants. Nevertheless, addressing this energy efficiency issue is a major challenge that will be
tackled during the Seventh Plan. The gas consumption of the Industry and Domestic Sectors
currently accounts for 29 percent to the total demand; this is projected to increase to 61
percent by FY2030 (Figure 5.3). This implies that if the Industry Sector improves its gas use
efficiency (for example adopting co-generation system to utilize exhausted gas from boiler),
the gas demand can be substantially saved. Similarly, if Bangladesh Domestic Consumers can
be made more sensitive to the gas price (e.g. pre-paid metering system), contrary to the
current fixed price system, the gas demand will be drastically reduced. In other words,
Demand Side Management (DSM) through Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC)
improvement will be a key focus of the gas sector in the Seventh Plan to conserve the
shrinking gas resources.

Ecosystem, forests, desertification, land degradation and biodiversity

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During recent times, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has taken substantial initiatives
on the environmental front. On climate change, Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and
Action Plan (BCCSAP) was formulated for adaptation and low carbon development (LCD)
through the engagement of various stakeholders. With support from the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS)
has been prepared to meet the formidable environmental challenges that Bangladesh faces on
the path to development. It identifies Environment, Natural Resource and Disaster
Management as one of the Strategic Priority Areas and articulates a wide variety of actions
needed for sustainable development.

The target of achieving 20% forest coverage has not been reached. The latest available data
puts forest coverage at only 13.14%, suggesting the need for major improvements during the
implementation period of the Seventh Plan. Against the set target of 302,000 hectares, about
65,814 hectares of plantations were raised in the last four years. Additional 8,628 hectares
will be raised during current financial year, which will yield a 21.80% achievement. In terms
of coastal afforestation, 30,466 hectares plantations were raised during the last four years and
another 3,420 hectares will be raised in this year. To establish Green belt along the coasts
about 978 kilometre has been completed of estimated 2,280 kilometres of coast line of main
lands and different islands considering the area exposed to sea to save the life and properties
of coastal people against the cyclone and tidal surges.

The number of terrestrial Protected Area has been increased from 19 to 37 for the
conservation of biodiversity. However, the areas protected is 2.29 percent which is less than
the target of 5 percent. Initiatives have been taken to establish wildlife division and national
park, botanical garden and eco-park in selected areas. In accord with biodiversity
conservation, 3 Wildlife and Nature Conservation Divisions, 2 National parks, 7 Wildlife
Sanctuaries and 1 Botanical Garden have been established in the last plan period. The
Protected Area (PA) coverage was increased to 10.72% from 10% of the total forest area of
the country. All possible interventions were undertaken to conserve biodiversity of the
Sundarbans Mangrove Forests. To protect the Royal Bengal Tiger, Tiger Action Plan has
been prepared for 2009-2017 period and consequently different conservation activities have
been implemented. The Social Forestry Programme has also gained momentum in recent
years, with about 500,000 poor people being involved in it.

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Environmental Pollution

Pollution issues are most critical in urban and industrial areas. Urban growth
centres increase the concentration of domestic and industrial activities that
lead to pollution problems. The major pollutant concern for rural areas is the
runoff of agrochemicals from agricultural fields impacting the fisheries sector.

Air pollution: Air pollution, especially from particulate matter, is a growing

concern. According to the 2014 Environment Performance Index, Bangladesh
has the worst air quality among all the countries that were evaluated. Air
pollution in urban areas is mainly caused by emissions from vehicles, brick
kilns, industrial sectors, construction and open dumping of garbage. With
railways constituting only 4% of passenger and freight traffic and water
transport accounting for 8-16%, road traffic makes up the majority. Emissions
resulting from old and poorly maintained vehicles play a big role in worsening
air quality. Industrial development is another major source of urban air
pollution. Urban air pollution and its health consequences will continue to
worsen unless strong action is taken.

Water pollution: Water quality of Bangladesh is also not at a satisfactory

level in environment performance indicators. Due to lack of compliance and
inadequate regulation, pollutants from municipal, industrial and agricultural
waste enter into the inland water systems. Industrial effluents, agrochemicals,
faecal pollution, spillage and low water flow in the dry season are the major
factors behind the degradation of water quality. The quality of surface water in
Dhaka is especially poor. Inadequate sewerage system add to the problem.
Waste from humans, tanneries, other industries, along with tonnes of pesticide
and fertilizers enter Dhaka’s surface water untreated. This causes the water in
the city to be unsuitable for any human use. The water quality is exacerbated
the high level of ammonia in the raw water used by the Saidabad Water
Treatment Plant. Again, the most vulnerable to deteriorating water quality are
the poor. They have limited access to clean water and are often unable to
relocate from offending locations.26

Industrial pollution: Many industries do not operate effluent treatment plants

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(ETP). Garments, textile and dying sectors have been developed without
proper attention to their environmental consequences. Key polluting sectors
also include tanneries, brick kilns, chemical and pharmaceutical industries and
ship-breaking yards. Biodegradable organic pollutants reduce the dissolved
oxygen in water, while non-biodegradable organic pollutants survive in the
environment for a prolonged period and pass into the food chain. Inorganic
pollutants like metallic substances seriously deteriorate water quality. The use
of fertilizers and agrochemicals cause bioaccumulation of toxic elements in
the food chain and directly affect aquatic ecosystems.

Noise Pollution: Noise pollution is a major health risk, especially in cities

and particularly in Dhaka. In Dhaka, noise pollution often exceeds the
maximum allowable level of noise set by the DoE. Incessant use of hydraulic
horns in vehicles is the primary sources of noise pollution, along with brick-
crushing machines and loudspeakers. Noise not only damages hearing, but
also increases stress and blood pressure among other health impacts.

Solid Waste: Solid waste comes from households, commercial and industrial
establishments. In Dhaka city, the municipal authorities are unable to collect
and dispose 100% of solid waste. Disposal of solid waste causes serious
environmental hazards – uncontrolled open dumping clog the urban drainage
system causing frequent congestion and contamination of water. Solution
could be practice of 3R (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle), following the National
3R Strategy for Waste Management and also enforcement of Solid Waste
Management Rules.

Hospital Waste: Most of the medical waste are toxic and hazardous. There
are some hospitals and clinics those are separating medical waste using
separate bins in their hospitals and clinics. But, at the end it is going to the
waste-bin with other waste, which poses a serious threat to public health.
Strict compliance of Medical Waste Management Rules along with a good
management of in-house and off-the-house practice is badly needed to solve
the problem. Moreover, there is a need of strong role from local government
agencies for off-the-house management of medical waste.

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 Hazardous and Toxic Waste: Toxic chemical polluters are mainly tanneries
and industries like cement, pulp and paper, textiles and pharmaceuticals. The
use of fertilizers/pesticides and other industrial chemicals also lead to toxic
waste. Even though effluent treatment plants have been installed by some
industries, the used up chemicals are disposed on land as solid waste.

Pollution from faeces: Improper sanitation system and untreated sewage

mixes with water to deteriorate its quality. Inadequately sealed latrines in
rural areas are unable to cope with annual flooding and prevent faecal
pollution.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): POPs are a group of hazardous

chemicals that persist in the environment for a long period and cause harmful
effects to human health and the environment. POPs result from chemicals
used in agriculture, disease control, manufacturing, and industrial processes.
POPs adversely affect biodiversity as well. Execution of development
programmes/projects on National Implementation Plan for the Phase out of
POPs will be able to solve this problem.

E-waste: Electronic waste, or e-waste, comprises of discarded electric and

electronic devices. The increasing use of such devices has led to growing
waste. Primitive recycling techniques such as burning cables for retaining
valuable elements like copper expose workers to a range of hazardous
substances. E-waste connected health risks may result from direct contact
with harmful materials such as lead and chromium, from inhalation of toxic
fumes, as well as from accumulation of chemicals in soil, water, and food.
There is an urgent need to enact e-waste rules and prepare guidelines based
on a baseline survey.

Rapid Urbanization

Huge migration from rural to urban puts pressure on infrastructure,

particularly housing and sanitation. The rapid increase of urban population
necessitated planned growth of cities keeping the environment in mind.
Among those include poor ambient air and water quality, development of

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squatter settlements, substandard housing conditions resulting from high land
prices, lack of access to piped water in more than 80 percent of households..
Policies that reinforce the concentration of population in major cities, and lack
of focus on the development of small towns are issues requiring
acknowledgment. Municipalities are not adequately prepared to tackle these
problems due to a lack of sufficient resources and technical know-how.

Environmental risk to health

According to a study, respiratory infections and disease caused by poor air

quality may contribute up to 10% of the total burden of disease. Inadequate
access to safe water, lack of sanitation and poor hygiene cause diarrheal
diseases, which also makes up around 10% of the total burden of disease.
Inhaling smoke from burning biomass can have both temporary and permanent
consequences on health. This is significant as poor households heavily depend
on wood, dung and other traditional fuels for domestic purposes.

Natural Resource Management

Proper ecosystem management is required to ensure the sustainability of
natural resources without hampering the livelihood of people dependent on the
goods and services. The quality of resources such as soil and water require
monitoring for policy support and preparation of

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